UAE expresses solidarity with Philippines in wake of deadly tropical storm

The UAE has expressed solidarity with the Philippines after a tropic storm left at least 40 people dead and dozens other injured, according to WAM.

An official statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed "sincere condolences and sympathy with the government and people of the Philippines, and to families of the victims, as well as its wishes for a speedy recovery for all the injured".

Tropical storm Trami

Philippine rescue workers battled floodwaters on Friday to reach residents still trapped on the roofs of their homes as Tropical Storm Trami moved out to sea after killing at least 40 people.

Tens of thousands remained displaced after fleeing floods driven by a torrential downpour that dumped two months' worth of rainfall in just two days in some areas.

"Many are still trapped on the roofs of their homes and asking for help," Andre Dizon, police director for the hard-hit Bicol region, told AFP. "We are hoping that the floods will subside today, since the rain has stopped."

Accessibility remained a major issue for rescuers Friday, particularly in Bicol, President Ferdinand Marcos said at a press briefing.

"There were landslides in areas that didn't have landslides before ... so I guess the soil is completely saturated, the water has nowhere to go," he said.

The cities of Naga and Legazpi were reporting "many casualties but we haven't been able to get in yet," Marcos added.

(With additional input by AFP)